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The “Top 25” Best Destinations in the World

A few days ago a list of the top 25 Best Destinations in the World surfaced. According to Trip Advisor, these are the top 25 travellers’ favourites…. including locations throughout Asia, Northern Africa, The UK, USA, Latin America, and even Australia. But the big question is… how many have you visited!?

1. Marrakech, Morocco

What is there not to love about Marrakech!? This city is an abundance of colours and fabrics, an endless maze of souks, and with many mosques, palaces and gardens to keep you exploring for days on end. Be sure to avoid the warmer months, as Marrakech experiences extremely high temperatures year-round. Watch out for the snake charmers in the Djemaa el-Fna!

3. Istanbul, Turkey

4. Hanoi, Vietnam

Now the capital of Vietnam and the countries’ second largest city, Hanoi is often cited as a must visit for travellers making their way to Vietnam. While the streets are busy and often chaotic, there is an abundance of culture to be found in the distinct blend of influences over the years: particularly the Southeast Asian, Chinese and French influences.

5. Prague, Czech Republic

This ‘just passing through’ city in Central Europe has quickly become a favourite for European adventurers. The Czech Republic capital offers visitors great beer, partying, and oodles of sightseeing for the more tame traveller. Be sure to visit nearby Cesky Krumlov (a short 2 hour drive away), as it might just be the most romantic town in Europe.

6. London, United Kingdom

As the world’s most visited city, it is perhaps no surprise that London nears the top of the list for 2015. To discover more of London beyond the tourist attractions, be sure to check out the London contributor’s top tips.

7. Rome, Italy

The eternal city has so many attractions to offer travellers that it is little wonder it scraped into the top 10 of the world’s best destinations. Be sure not to miss anything with this list of the top attractions in Rome.

8. Buenos Aires, Argentina

The capital of Argentina is bursting with Spanish architectural influence and is a modern day hub for business in South America. Be sure to check out this list of the best things to see and do in Buenos Aires so you don’t miss anything!

9. Paris, France

It is hardly a surprise to see Paris on the list – it is after all a WOW reader fave!!! The city of love has so much to offer all travellers – whether you’re loved up or flying solo. If you are indeed loved up and looking for that iconic view of the Eiffel Tower from a hotel balcony, check yourself into the Shangri-La Paris, who arguably have the best view of the tower from their gorgeous rooms and suites.

10. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is fondly regarded by locals and visitors alike as the world’s prettiest city – all because of that iconic blend of where the city meets the sea, and nature plays a key part in the lives of locals. If you like hiking, you’ll love making your way up the famous Table Mountain and the many activities on offer around Cape Town.

12. Zermatt, Switzerland

And so it goes that if you love skiing, you’ll love Zermatt. This mountain resort town in Switzerland is one of the most popular in all of Europe, so you’ll need to book well in advance if you’re coming in the peak winter season. Also, it won’t come cheap!

13. Barcelona, Spain

The capital of Catalonia is also the capital of GREAT food and captivating architecture. Gaudi’s legacy is to be seen throughout the city, so be sure to take the time to wander through the various neighbourhoods and appreciate the architecture up close.

14. Goreme, Turkey

This little town in Cappadocia is a favourite for travellers visiting Turkey to take flight in the sea of hot air balloons over the area. To find out what the experience is like, here’s one of the best full recounts of the experience: Hot Air ballooning over Cappadocia.

15. Ubud, Indonesia

Well before hollywood caught on (aka Eat Pray Love) to the charm of Bali, travellers have been flocking from near and far to experience the fantastic organic foods, spiritual experience and colourful sunsets on offer. But perhaps no place is as serene and surreal as Ubud, lying in the centre of Bali with its’ pristine rice fields, rolling hills and friendly locals. For the full experience, why not consider a surf + bike + yoga retreat!?

16. Cusco, Peru

Having recently visited the popular (and highly photographed) UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu, I can certainly say firsthand that it is little wonder this is one of the world’s top 25 best destinations. Here’s a guide to help you get the most from Machu Picchu.

17. St. Petersburg, Russia

You’ll love the former capital of the Russian Federation… it’s impossible not to! St Petersburg is charming, cultured, and oozing with history at every turn.

Image via Wikicommons

18. Bangkok, Thailand

The Thai capital makes the list thanks to its’ chaotic charm. Bursting with colour and neon signs, Bangkok mesmerises travellers as they pass through the busy city en route to the much more calm shores of Phuket, Koh Samui or other resort towns.

Image via Wikicommons

19. Kathmandu, Nepal

Sadly devastated by the recent earthquake, the city of Kathmandu has long been a favourite for the adventurous traveller. While they are still picking up the pieces given the current crisis, now might be the perfect time to visit in a capacity where you can give back on an active and engaging trip away from home.

Image via Wikicommons

20. Athens, Greece

Athens often gets a bad wrap for being dirty, unorganised and not tourist-friendly. But the plain fact is that Athens has history like no other – so it is certainly worth a couple of days in your itinerary, if even only en route to the nearby Greek islands.

21. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is commonly cited as one of Europe’s most underrated cities – but I’d say it is probably THE most underrated of the European cities now being discovered by travellers venturing beyond the tradition path in the West.

Image via Wikicommons

22. Queenstown, New Zealand

New Zealand’s adventure capital has a lot to offer travellers: bungy jumping, sky diving, mountain biking, hiking, and kayaking are just a few to be named.

24. Dubai, UAE

The city that emerged out of the desert almost overnight is quickly becoming a favourite for frequent travellers. Its no secret that Emirates is one of the best airlines out there (they seriously offer the most comfortable economy class and a very indulgent business class), so Dubai is becoming a common stopover for travellers flying across the globe.

25. Sydney, Australia

Way over in the Southern Hemisphere lies one of the most popular ‘dream destinations’ – Sydney, the cultural capital of Australia and home to the iconic Sydney opera house and Sydney harbour bridge. If you’ve stepped off a long haul flight to get here, you’re gonna need to know where to get the best coffee in Sydney. You’re welcome.

Well, here we go – 25 are NOT ENOUGH! There are also Cuba, Japan, Norway … Cuba is my number one! I doubt there is a person that will go there and not like the place and the people! So, Brooke, you should extend the list to top 50 I guess 🙂

I’ve been to 11 of these places, but I’ve been to many others that I would put ahead of some of these places on the list. I have other places that I want to see before I get to the ones on this list. All great locations though 🙂

Loooove Hong Kong! I stayed at the Hyatt Regency in Tsim Sha Tsui a few years ago and it was hands down the best hotel I have ever stayed in – the most exceptional customer service I’ve ever received.

This was what started my Hyatt obsession – I know you’re headed to Canada soon and probably have all of your accommodation and what not sorted, but if you’re going to Vancouver and haven’t booked your accommodation, I highly recommend the Hyatt there too (I swear I’m not employed by them). There’s a Starbucks in the lobby, has a great restaurant, and has some of the friendliest staff I’ve ever encountered. It is practically in the epicentre of Vancouver – on the corner of West Georgia and Burrard St. Enjoy Canada, the people are so incredibly friendly and it’s just a lovely place to be.

I’ve been blessed to have been born and raised in New York City. However, I’m with Humberto. I absolutely can NOT take this list seriously if you can’t include Rio de Janeiro!! The most beautiful city with the warmest, fun-loving, passionate people in the world. A shame you couldn’t give South America more love. I’m with another lady that mentioned Colombia. Definitely an up-and-coming country that has had a bad rap with drug cartels and guerrilla armies. It’s cleaned up loads and has so much to offer tourists. San Andres, Colombia is HEAVEN.

Also, may I also suggest adding Capri to a future list!? STUNNING. Ah well, to each their own. lol.

I’m afraid this list is worthless, as it does not include Rio de Janeiro, by far the most beautiful city in the world. Paris is the most beautiful city made by man, but Rio is the most beautiful one made by nature. Should you drop a bomb and destroy ANY of the above mentioned cities completely there would be NOTHING left. Should that be done to Rio it would still be the MOST BEAUTIFUL city in the whole world. In my 25 best destinations list Rio would rank 1 – 10, then Paris would come as 11, Rome 12, and so on. As a matter of fact Rio could only be hors-concours, as its beauty just cannot be matched, one cannot compare a peacock and a cockroach as far as beauty is concerned..

I’ve been to Bali, including to Ubud. Ubud is beautiful, especially its traditional art and life of its people are very peaceful and respect the customs. It’s really a special sight for modern citizens. Thank you.

We have been in 9 of them not bad but still many to discover! We think also NYC must be in a higher position, after living there some time ago we are planning now our next trip there and there are too many special activities to do there! You can take a look if you would think it could be useful for you.So true indeed! I really do love this post and the entire blog! My compliments and thanks to bloglovin for let me know about you! Add another follower to your list 😉

Athens dirtiest and not organized than Rome, Prague, Vietnam and Turkey??? Hahahaha!!! Have u ever been in Rome,Prague, Vietnam and Turkey? Have u ever been in Athens? Let me quess! Of course NO! I wish someday you will find Athens and change your mind

it would be perfect if Kyoto was up on the list!
you can find modern and traditional japan in Kyoto, the temple, the tourism spot, the people, the food! and geisha are attraction that you can’t be missed
Ubud is awesome, you never get boring visit this place again and again.
Ah, london and turkey always on my bucket list! hope I can make it come true someday

I’ve just returned from Marrakech, so it was great to see it first on the list. You’re right about the heat too. It was 100 degrees F (38 C) in early June, so I can’t imagine what July and August are like. SO HOT.

Budapest has to be number one on my travel bucket list, followed by the entire land of Australia (backpacking trip already planned for years in the future!). Thank you for sharing, this list is so insightful! Now it only needs a few more German locations on it 😀

Wow these are some really beautiful destinations. I’ve been to some but have yet to see many others. It just goes to show you that even if you think you’ve seen a lot of the world, there is still so much yet to be discovered…the driving force behind all travelers I think!

Great list and I’d love to one day say I’ve been to them all. Made it to 12 so far, including Sydney, which isn’t Australia’s capital, it is the capital city of New South Wales, Canberra is Australia’s capital.

All of these places look really amazing, no doubt, although I am not surprised as they are almost all major cities. I was bummed to not see a larger representation of the Americas on the list as there are so many wonderful places between Alaska and the tip of Argentina and there wasn’t a single mention on Central America. Guatemala and Cuba as both SO amazing along with other parts of Central America and the Caribbean so it was sad to see parts of the world that are constantly overlooked, continuing to be overlooked. I also didn’t see much in Africa apart form Morocco on this list.

I guess it’s hard to say 25 best places because the world just has WAY too many beautiful, unique, and intriguing places it’s hard to list them all!

Happy travels to all!! I hope to go to EVERYWHERE on this list and MUCH MORE! The planet and its people have soooo much to offer 🙂

Nice list. I’ve only been to 9 of these destinations, so there’s some good bucket list inspiration here. 🙂 I have to disagree on Prague and Budapest being underrated or untraditional tourist destinations though. Maybe for people from other continents, but they have been popular destinations with European tourists for years. I have visited these cities as a child, about ten years ago, and they were definitely already full of tourists then.

Of the places listed, Siem Reap is one of my all time favorites. Angkor Wat is absolutely stunning! I just went to London last week and am planning on posting about it soon 🙂 I hope to visit each of these cities one day.
-Claire, tallgirlbigworld.com

Still so many on the list! But I totally adored Sydney and Queenstown is such a great getaway! And New York.. there’s not much to say about New York, as it’s just one of the most amazing cities I have ever been to!
But for me, Asia and South Africa are high up on my bucket list!
xx
Yvonne

I’ve just found your blog on Bloglovin and must say that it’s so inspiring… including this post! Have been so lucky visiting most of these destinations, but still at few to hit… like Hong Kong! Really need to put that on top of my list! Miss Tokyo on the list though…. 🙂

I had only been to 9 countries out of 25 but some I visited when I was still working in international organization. There was not enough time to explore and enjoy the city as much as you wanted to when you travel on work. I’m planning to visit Siem Reap and Ha Noi again this year or early next year.

This is a wonderful list. However, please don’t say “Hong Kong, China.” Although it is technically politically correct, it still bothers some people. Maybe “Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China” would be better.

Wow what a beautiful list! I’m so happy that Cusco made it on here. Peru is my home country, yet I haven’t seen Machu Picchu yet! Hoping to go next year, and would love to go to Morocco or Greece at the end of Summer!!

A little saddened not to see any Japanese destinations on this list though. I know you haven’t been yet, but Kyoto has been listed as a top destination to visit by Lonely Planet! It truly is an amazing destination with many luxurious Ryokan options to stay if you ever make it over there 🙂

There’s just not enough time and money in the world to tick all of these off and the countless others that are on my bucket list!
At the moment, I’m really keen on going back to Iceland (which should definitely be on the list), New York, Singapore, Tokyo, Indonesia and Egypt!